Use your cpap machine when you have a cold if you possibly can. Raising the humidity a little will help with some congestion. A neti pot rinse or Saline Spray about a hour before bedtime will also help with congestion.

You may need to elevate the head of your bed just a few inches.

Some people find that a full face mask helps with congestion since you can breathe through your mouth as well with a full face mask.

If you absolutely cannot sleep with the machine, sleeping in a recliner will help.

I have used cpap for 7+ years and have had a few colds in that time! I have NEVER not used my cpap and, in addition, found that my congestion cleared with the cpap and a slightly higher humidity setting while I got through the cold.

Astral4 wrote:Just bought my CPAP Machine last week. Got a head/chest cold and not sure whether I should use itwhen I have this.

You really should try to use your CPAP......I'm still recovering from H1N1 and used a full face mask throughout ....I have consistency had O2 desats even with APAP while sick........If you look at the flu postings, you can see a couple of places where I posted the pulse ox results. I can't use a nasal mask when sick, but found the FF mask easy even when I was coughing terrible...lost seal some with coughing but that was all!!! OSA compromises breathing, respiratory illness add another level of compromise!!!!

I was in the same place you are when I got my machine back in May - cold 3 days after I got it. I turned up the humidity, took some decongestants and used a ful face mask. It was the easiest cold I have ever slept through - that extra humidity made all the difference plus all the oxygen I was getting!

Welcome brother * i would think especially when you have congestion. that is why we are on cpap, to help keep airways open. seems this time of year when leaves are dieing i struggle with mold & mildew allergies and need to control the rhinitis to keep from escalating into something more serious. good luck and persevere . tim